labyrinthine

[ lab-uh-rin-thin, -theen ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth.
2. complicated; tortuous:

   the labyrinthine byways of modern literature.

labyrinthine

/ ˌlæbəˈrɪnθaɪn; ˌlæbəˈrɪnθɪk; ˌlæbəˈrɪnθɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to a labyrinth
2. resembling a labyrinth in complexity

Derived Forms

• ˌlabyˈrinthically, adverb

Other Word Forms

• laby·rinthi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of labyrinthine¹

First recorded in 1740–50; labyrinth + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

A roving, sumptuous narrative entrenched in the labyrinthine relationships of a small southern Italian town, “My Brilliant Friend” follows Lila and Elena, schoolgirls growing up in postwar Naples.

From Los Angeles Times

“And people are always shocked to see what it looks like for children to navigate a labyrinthine legal system by themselves.”

From Los Angeles Times

The con artist in Ritter’s novel is a young woman with a murky past and visions of absconded riches who is ensnared in an elaborate swindle that recalls David Mamet at his most labyrinthine.

From Los Angeles Times

Many performing arts centers contain labyrinthine windowless rooms underground for dressing, makeup and costumes, although it remains unclear if these were the rooms Trump was referring to.

From Los Angeles Times

Cutler-Kreutz, who co-wrote and co-directed with his brother, David, laments a “Kafkaesque” immigration system labyrinthine enough to confuse native-born Americans, much less noncitizens attempting to follow the rules to gain legal status.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convoluted
• intricate
• meandering
• serpentine
• tangled
• tortuous
• twisting
• winding